Dr. Erik Joel Ramberg, born on September 28, 1959, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025 after a prolonged illness surrounded by family. Erik was known as a curious spirit and he truly embodied the meaning of a Renaissance man. He never hesitated to push the boundaries of his knowledge and could be found seeking the answers to questions on science, art, politics, history, and the nature of the universe.

Erik is survived by his life partner of 41 years, Karen Byrum, and both their two children, Melody Hmaidi and Ashe Byrum Ramberg. Erik and Karen always had a relationship filled with laughter and adventure. You could find them traveling the world, dancing in the kitchen, and enjoying the company of their close neighbors and friends at dinner. Erik was a dedicated father and taught both his children how to ride bikes, to try everything at least once, and how to look upon the world in wonder. His immediate family almost always included animals. From ducks to running with dogs, Erik inspired the adoration of all his pets.

Erik proudly shared the birthplace of Mark Twain in Hannibal, MO however he spent his childhood in Topeka, Kansas. As the baby of the family Erik always looked up to his five older siblings: the late Jim Ramberg (journalist) and the late Dr. Steven Ramberg (physician), as well as Linda Joler (teacher), Karl Ramberg (stone mason), and Laura Ramberg (sculptor and artist). Erik loved Kansas and would often visit throughout his life to visit his siblings and his many nieces and nephews. Lifelong learning was an important pillar of the Ramberg household. Erik’s mother, the late Dr. Joanne Anderson Ramberg, received both her B.A. and PhD and was a prominent mental health and nursing educator. Erik’s father, the late Dave Ramberg, was a pilot and inspired his love of adventure. Erik graduated as co-valedictorian from Washburn Rural High School and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at University of Kansas and PhD from the University of Maryland in 1989.

One of Erik’s greatest passions in life was physics. Erik was hired as a post doc at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia, IL in 1989 and later hired as a scientist. Erik had a long and very successful scientific career in particle physics of 36 years. Erik’s broad interests and impact on the field ranged from experimental research to detector research and design, and public outreach as well. For many years, Erik organized and led “Saturday Morning Physics,” a weekend program that introduced high school students to particle physics. Erik always gave the very last lecture and over the course of his career had several attendees moved to tears as he discussed physics and its impact on society. Erik loved to talk science with anyone who showed an interest. Many friends, neighbors, and family remember passionate discussions on climate change, scientific discoveries, and the nature of reality.

Erik is best remembered by his love for learning and his delight in sharing knowledge; from the halls of Fermilab to the monthly meetings of Batavia’s Best Bookclub of friends. He was forever exploring new hobbies and his passions often inspired the same in others. Erik was an avid mushroom hunter and would freely share the best locations for morels in the Fermilab forests. In his early 40s he began to learn the cello and his home would be filled with the soothing notes of Bach, often included in an orchestra filled with friends.

Of all his passions, Erik cherished books and art. His collection of antique books and Audubon prints filled the walls and shelves of his home. His family might even argue his collection bordered on excessive. Erik was a collector and he also restored many of the books he owned. His workshop was filled with materials used to repair damage and bring life to pages yellowed with age written with ink older than him. Erik could recite precise details on every one of the 1,000+ books he owned. He would often hold book sales in his garage, tempting visitors into his home to view and discuss his rare book collection. Countless friends and neighbors tell stories of mentioning a specific interest in passing whereafter Erik would appear with a book in hand from his private library and insist they take it home. Don’t let Erik’s generosity distract from his slightly mischievous side, he loved to laugh and could often be found playing pranks on friends. Many found themselves stepping up to play a game of pool and betting against Erik, who soon showed his true skill as a pool shark. Erik’s love for the game never waned through his life, he played at his home, he joined pool leagues, and he was able to impart his love further by becoming a teacher to his two children.

Erik leaves us for his next great adventure, one we are sure he will embrace with his ever-present curiosity, generosity, and scientific mind. His wishes were for an immediate cremation. His family will host two celebrations of life, one in Batavia, IL and one in Lawrence, KS to ensure all who knew Erik will have a chance to celebrate as everyone knew Erik loved to party. For anyone interested in contributing to one of Erik’s passions he would appreciate helping in the fight against climate change at The Nature Conservancy.

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